Israeli Society: Particularity and Pluralism

This course examines historical, social and political aspects of contemporary Israeli society. After analyzing the ideologies and groups that played a major role in the formation of Israeli society, class discussion will focus on social and political issues which are at the center of current debate in the country. Special attention will be devoted to an examination of the tension between the visions of Israel as a democracy and Israel as the Jewish nation-state.

Israel was founded as “a Jewish and democratic state.” Though not contradictory, these two visions of Israel often serve as the basis for contrasting social and political policies and even radically different political ideologies. The course will make a deep dive into Israeli society and uncover some of the critical and controversial issues at its core that reflect this duality.

Structure

Presentations and discussions will be held on a series of central social and political issues in Israel. Once a week, a field trip will be held to see aspects of Israeli society first-hand.

Course Components

The course will examine the following topics:

1. The Origins of Israeli Society: Formative Ideologies and Waves of Immigrationi
2. The Origins of Israeli Society: Waves of Immigration
3. The Origins of Israeli Society: The Creation of a Political Entity
4. The Mass Immigration, Ethnicity and the Socio-Economic Gap in Israel
5. Immigration during the 1990s
6. Arab Citizens in a Jewish State
7. Religion and State: Politics and Legislation
8. The Ultra-Orthodox in Israel
9. Women in Israel
10. The Territories
11. Political System
12. Israel’s Search for Identity

Study Outings

• Arab village of Abu Ghosh including a meeting with local residents and visit to the Mosque
• Walking tour of Mea Shearim, the Ultra-Orthodox quarter of Jerusalem
• Visit to Women’s Organizations and Centers

 View syllabus here

You’ll be invited to participate in a wide array of trips, tours, and activities offered by the Office of Student Life. From a tour of the Old City to a trip to the Dead Sea to checking out the local festivals, you’ll build your own unique impressions and memories of Jerusalem and Israel. While residing in HebrewU dormitories with other international and Israeli students, you’ll have a chance to form new friendships and get involved in campus life. A team of multilingual Israeli students, called madrichim, is also there to help you adjust to your new surroundings and give you tips on things to do. Learn more about student life at HebrewU.

Apply by: April 15, 2023

Arrive on campus: July 3, 2023
Program length: Four weeks

For payment deadlines, see here.

Application fee: US$ 120
Course Tuition: US$ 1,890
Housing: US$ 850*

* Depending on availability

Learn more about fees and paying for the program.

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships based on demonstrated need or merit are available.

Students who complete their summer course application by February 15, 2023, and who also complete payment by March 15, 2023, will be eligible for a 10% early bird discount on the course tuition. In the event that a student applies for more than one summer course, the 10% early bird discount will be applied to one of the summer courses only.

This course is open to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as to mature learners with an academic background. You must be currently registered at or have been accepted to a recognized college or university or have successfully completed at least one year of study at an accredited institution of higher education. English-language fluency is also required.